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I still remember the first time I saw Kent Salado play—it was during the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his game. Fast, crafty, and fearless, he played like someone who knew exactly what was at stake. Now, as he officially enters the PBA Draft, that same intensity hasn’t faded—if anything, it’s sharper. Salado’s journey to this moment hasn’t been straightforward, and that’s exactly what makes his story worth telling. It’s not just about talent; it’s about resilience, about coming close and still pushing forward. As he put it himself, “I’d rather ‘almost have it’ than not get there.” That mindset, more than any stat line, defines his path.

Salado’s basketball career began far from the bright lights of the PBA. Hailing from Cagayan de Oro, he first made waves in the NCAA while playing for the Arellano Chiefs. I’ve followed his college years closely, and what stood out wasn’t just his scoring—though he averaged around 14.5 points per game in his final season—but his ability to create plays under pressure. He had this knack for making things happen when the offense stalled, something you don’t see in every young guard. But despite his standout performances, his road to the pros hit a few bumps. A knee injury in 2020 sidelined him at a critical time, just as he was gaining traction. For many, that could have been the end. For Salado, it was a pause—one that fueled his determination.

When I spoke to a scout who’s tracked Salado’s progress over the years, he described him as a “high-risk, high-reward” prospect. “Kent’s court vision is elite, but his size—he’s listed at 5’10”—raises questions about his defensive versatility in the PBA,” the scout noted. Still, he emphasized that Salado’s playmaking could translate well, especially for teams needing a backup guard who can inject energy off the bench. Another analyst I reached out to pointed out that Salado’s assist-to-turnover ratio in his last semi-pro stint was around 2.1, which, while not eye-popping, shows he can manage an offense without coughing up the ball too often. These insights remind me that the PBA Draft isn’t just about picking the best player—it’s about finding the right fit.

Looking ahead, what can we realistically expect from Kent Salado’s PBA career? Based on what I’ve seen, I’d say he’s likely to start as a rotational player, maybe logging 15–18 minutes per game in his rookie year if he lands with a team like Blackwater or Terrafirma, both of which could use backcourt depth. His scoring might not blow anyone away initially—I’d project him averaging 6–8 points and 3–4 assists early on—but his real value lies in his intangibles. He’s the kind of player who lifts morale, who isn’t afraid to take the big shot even if he misses. That “almost have it” mentality he mentioned? It’s not about settling for less; it’s about embracing the struggle, and that’s something you can’t teach.

I’ll admit, I’m biased here—I’ve always rooted for underdogs, and Salado fits that mold. He isn’t the most hyped prospect in this draft class, but he’s got that grit you see in players who outlast expectations. Think of someone like Paul Desiderio, who carved out a niche despite not being a top pick. Salado could follow a similar path, leveraging his speed and IQ to stay relevant. Of course, there are hurdles. His shooting consistency needs work—he shot just 28% from three in his most recent season—and he’ll have to prove he can defend against bigger guards. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned covering this league, it’s that heart often trumps height.

As the draft day approaches, the buzz around Kent Salado’s PBA Draft journey and what to expect from his career is growing, and rightly so. He represents more than just another name on the board; he’s a testament to perseverance. In a league where flashy stats often steal the spotlight, Salado’s story is a reminder that the journey—the almosts and the not-quites—shapes a player as much as the victories. Whether he becomes a star or a steady role player, one thing’s clear: he’s earned this shot, and I, for one, will be watching closely. After all, as he said, almost having it beats never trying at all.